Serbian music influenced by the East and the West

From music used in rituals through songs for partying in kafanas (traditional taverns) to popular melodies of today, Serbian music follows all the world’s trends and offers something for everyone.

Serbian music culture has had a long and interesting history. There are the “dodole” and other ritual songs, there are very traditional epic song songs followed by the “gusle” (a traditional string instrument), there are bohemian songs like the so-called “sevdalinke” or the ones sang in “kafanas” (traditional taverns) but there are also Eurovision songs with throwing jackets into the audience, EXIT festival songs and wild parties on “splavs” (floating river clubs) and in nightclubs till early dawn…

Serbian folk music developed under the influences of Byzantine music, especially between the 12th and the 15th century. It was also influenced by Turkish music and music from Western Europe, especially in the last two centuries.

In the middle of the 19th century Serbia was liberated from the Turkish rule and a new urban society was formed. More active music life started flourishing in the cities.

Kafana, a traditional tavern, became the center of urban life. This cult “institution” still has a significant role in lives of our people.

Pop and rock music appeared by the middle of the 20th century, and they were influenced by Western trends. This music gained biggest popularity during the eighties of the last century.

Today we listen to all kinds of music! That is one of the reasons why parties and nightlife in Serbia are top rated among the tour operators – here everyone can find something for their own taste. That is our secret!